The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has updated its examination centre selection process for candidates with benchmark disabilities (PwBD). The changes apply to the Civil Services Examination 2026 and the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026.
New Centre Allocation Rules
Under the revised system, there is no limit on the number of PwBD candidates a centre can accommodate. Initially, all centres use their existing capacity for both PwBD and non-PwBD applicants. Once a centre reaches full capacity for general candidates, it will close to them. PwBD candidates can still select these centres, even after they are full for others.
UPSC will create additional capacity at centres if needed. This ensures PwBD candidates get their preferred location. UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar stated that past data showed centres like Delhi, Cuttack, Patna, and Lucknow fill quickly. This created problems for PwBD candidates.
“Every PwBD candidate will be assured of their preferred examination centre,” Kumar said. He added that technology helps make the exam fair, inclusive, and accessible. The focus is on candidate convenience and merit-based selection.
Online Portal Enhancements
The UPSC has launched a redesigned Online Application Portal. This portal aims to improve the application process for CSE exams. It also strengthens the integrity of the examination stages.
The UPSC CSE notification announced 933 vacancies for 2026. This includes 33 positions reserved for PwBD candidates. The exam has three stages: preliminary, main, and interview. It selects officers for services like IAS, IFS, and IPS.
Exam Centre Expansion
The UPSC CSE prelims are scheduled for May 24, 2026 . The Commission has added new centres to reduce pressure on popular locations. Meerut will now be available to ease demand in Delhi-NCR. Kanpur will help with pressure around Lucknow. Bhubaneswar will supplement centres near Cuttack.
These additions increase the preliminary examination centres from 80 to 83. For the main examination, the number of centres rises from 24 to 27. Bhubaneswar, Srinagar, and Imphal are added for the main exam. The application portal now allows candidates to select preferred nearby cities. This data will help identify locations for new centres.
Technology for Integrity
The portal also includes photo verification and face recognition technology. This enhances identity verification. It contributes to a more secure and transparent system. These changes are part of the UPSC’s centenary year celebrations. They aim to update processes and maintain fairness and integrity.